The SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) held a two-day closing workshop on 17 October 2025 at the Rural Development Academy (RDA), Bogura, for the project titled “Livelihood Enhancement of Small Farmers in the SAARC Region through Small-Scale Agro-business focusing on Value Chain Development.” Funded by the SAARC Development Fund (SDF), the project was implemented in five member countries- Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka.
It aimed to strengthen value-added agro-businesses and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across the SAARC member states.

The project introduced a range of value-added products such as jackfruit and cassava chips, carrot and radish pickles, ginger powder, moringa-based products, and virgin coconut oil demonstrating how processing innovations can increase farmers’ income and reduce post-harvest losses. Implementing partners included RDA (Bangladesh), the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives (Bhutan), M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (India), the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare (Maldives) and the Department of Agriculture Centre (Sri Lanka).

The inaugural session was chaired by Dr. Harunur Rashid, Director of the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC). In his address, Dr. Rashid highlighted the project’s objectives, major achievements, and challenges over the past six years. He noted that the project had significantly contributed to enhancing farmers’ income and entrepreneurial capacity through small-scale agro-processing initiatives and value chain development.

The Chief Guest, Dr. A.K.M. Wali Ullah, Director General (Additional Secretary), RDA, Bogura said, the project has produced significant outcomes, including the enhancement of national policies, the promotion of women’s entrepreneurship, and the strengthening of agricultural value chains across SAARC member states. These achievements, he noted, are vital for advancing agricultural development and ensuring food security in the region.

Mr. Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD & SDF) at the SAARC Secretariat, praised SAC’s coordinating role and emphasized the need for stronger linkages between regional institutions and national governments. He appreciated the project’s achievements and urged policymakers to integrate its successful lessons into national rural development strategies.

In his inaugural address, Mr. Waseem Shahzad, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the SAARC Development Fund (SDF), congratulated SAC and its partners for successfully implementing the project across diverse agricultural contexts. He reaffirmed SDF’s continued commitment to supporting regional initiatives that promote sustainable rural livelihoods. Mr. Shahzad noted that the project’s achievements mark the beginning of a long-term transformation one that will expand its reach, strengthen training facilities and ensure lasting, real-world impacts across SAARC member states. He emphasized that the success stories emerging from the project demonstrate how collaboration and innovation can drive inclusive growth and resilience in rural communities throughout South Asia.

Ms. Shabnam Shivakoti, Governing Board Member of SAC and Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Nepal, stressed the importance of regional collaboration, policy alignment, and knowledge sharing to ensure long-term sustainability of value-added agribusiness models.

The opening remarks, focusing on project achievements and challenges, were delivered by Dr. Md. Younus Ali, Project Coordinator, SAC. He highlighted the importance of strengthening regional partnerships to sustain these outcomes. Dr. Ali expressed gratitude to all national focal points and implementing partners for their active contribution and dedication throughout the project period.

Dr. Nowsher Ali Sarder, PCR Consultant of the Livelihood Project, presented the Project Completion Report and Endline Survey findings, showing remarkable improvements in farmers’ income, post-harvest handling, and adoption of improved technologies.

SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC)
Dhaka, Bangladesh

17 October 2025

PRESS RELEASE

Consultative Workshop on the Preparation of the SAARC Development Report held in Dhaka

A Consultative Workshop on the Preparation of the SAARC Development Report (SDR) was held in Dhaka on 15-16 October 2025 under the theme “Shaping the Future Together for a Resilient SAARC.” The Workshop was hosted by the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh with financial and technical support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The Workshop was attended by delegations from the SAARC Member States comprising senior officials of the Ministries/ Agencies responsible for development issues as well as Foreign Ministries.

The Workshop was opened by Ms. Prathma Uprety, Director (Information and Poverty Alleviation) at the SAARC Secretariat, representing the Secretary General of SAARC. In her remarks, she expressed gratitude to the Government of Bangladesh for hosting the Workshop and to the Asian Development Bank for its continued support in advancing regional integration.

Speaking at the opening session, Chief Guest Dr. Monzur Hossain, Member (Secretary) of the Bangladesh Planning Commission, the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, underscored the importance of the Workshop in making the SAARC Development Report meaningful and action-oriented. He highlighted that as the world approaches the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the choices made today will determine whether South Asia, home to one-fourth of the global population, can achieve these shared objectives. He emphasized that the SDR should serve not merely as a technical document but as a strategic regional blueprint aligning national ambitions with regional cooperation, identifying both progress and gaps in poverty reduction, inequality, climate resilience, governance, and integration, and providing actionable recommendations for policymakers.

Addressing the opening session, Mr. Dongxiang Li, Lead Regional Cooperation Specialist, Regional Cooperation and Integration Unit, South Asia Department of ADB, reaffirmed ADB’s continued commitment as a longstanding development partner of SAARC.

Delegations from the Member States made presentations on their respective national perspectives and priorities for the preparation of the SAARC Development Report. Dr. Posh Raj Pandey, ADB Consultant, presented the first draft of the SAARC Development Report, which formed the basis for discussions and recommendations during the Workshop.

The Workshop was chaired by Mr. Bidhan Baral, Joint Secretary, Bangladesh Planning Commission of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The Workshop concluded with the adoption of a report.

SAARC Secretariat,

Kathmandu

16 October 2025

The 17th Meeting of the Governing Board (GB) of the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) began today (13 October 2025) at the Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka, bringing together senior policymakers, agricultural experts and representatives from SAARC member states to strengthen regional cooperation in agricultural research and development.

Dr. Nazmun Nahar Karim, the Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC); Mr. Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD & SDF) from the SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu (representing H.E. Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar, Secretary General of SAARC); Mr. Abdul Motaleb Sarker, former Secretary (SAARC & BIMSTEC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh; Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid, Director of the SAARC Agriculture Centre; representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Bangladesh; High Commissioners of Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Pakistan; embassy delegates from India and Nepal; Director Generals, directors from the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) of Bangladesh; representatives from international and national agricultural organizations were present at the event.

In his welcome address, Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid, Director of the SAARC Agriculture Centre, highlighted the Centre’s continued commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing food security and facilitating regional knowledge exchange. He emphasized SAC’s pivotal role in advancing agricultural innovation and resilience in the face of climate change and emerging challenges.

The inaugural session also featured a virtual address by Mr. Ali Amir, Chairperson of the SAC 16^th Governing Board and Director at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Maldives. In his remarks, Amir underscored the importance of regional solidarity in tackling shared agricultural challenges and steering South Asia toward a more food-secure future. He praised SAC’s efforts in fostering collaboration and promoting sustainable farming practices across the region. He emphasized the need to strengthen agricultural research, cooperation, technology transfer and regional collaboration.

Mr. Abdul Motaleb Sarker, Former Secretary (SAARC & BIMSTEC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh stated, “It is truly inspiring to see SAC’s progress in strengthening regional ties through research and knowledge exchange. South Asia’s agricultural future depends on our willingness to share expertise and act together. I am confident that the outcomes of this meeting will pave the way for greater harmony, innovation and sustainable food systems in our region.”

Mr. Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD & SDF), SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu, said, “Agriculture is the backbone of South Asia. The region faces challenges related to urbanization, nutrition, food security and resilience. In the context of climate change, SAC plays a vital role. A series of programs have been initiated to promote sustainable development and harmonize agricultural knowledge dissemination across SAARC member states. This 17^th Governing Board Meeting is a symbol of unity and shared purpose among the SAARC member countries. Agriculture remains at the heart of our regional economy, and through SAC’s initiatives, we are building stronger partnerships for sustainable growth. The SAARC Secretariat remains committed to supporting policies that enhance productivity, innovation and cross-border collaboration. Regional cooperation is key to overcoming the challenges of climate change, food insecurity and resource constraints. We appreciate SAC’s continued efforts in promoting collective action for agricultural advancement in South Asia.” 

In technical session, the Chairpersonship of the Governing Board was formally transferred from the outgoing Chair, Maldives to Nepal. Accordingly, Ms. Sabnam Shivakoti, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Nepal assumed the role of Chair and presided over the meeting. The 17^th Governing board member from Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka were present physically and from India, Bhutan, Maldives and Pakistan joined virtually.  The two-day meeting serves as a key platform for member countries to review progress, share knowledge and adopt strategies to advance agricultural development in the south Asia region.

SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC)

Dhaka, 13 October 2025

Press Release

Fourteenth  Governing Board Meeting of the SAARC Arbitration Council

The Fourteenth Governing Board Meeting of the SAARC Arbitration Council (SARCO) was held on 29-30 September 2025 in Islamabad, Pakistan. Representatives from the esteemed Governments of the Royal Government of Bhutan, the Republic of Maldives and  the Islamic Republic of Pakistan attended the meeting in person, while representatives from People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the Republic of India, the Republic of Nepal, and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka participated virtually. The Meeting was also attended  by the Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the host country, Pakistan, and the SAARC Secretariat officials.

The Chairpersonship of the Governing Board was formally transferred from the outgoing Chair, Bangladesh, to Bhutan. Accordingly, Mr. Karma Yeshey, Chief Registrar of Companies, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, Royal Government of Bhutan, assumed the role of Chair and presided over the meeting.

Addressing on behalf of H.E. the Secretary General of SAARC, Mr. Waseem Shahzad, Director, SAARC Secretariat, stated that the Governing Board serves the critical responsibility of providing strategic oversight for the Council’s programme of activities, thus ensuring its full alignment with the Council’s mandate and objectives.

The Chair of the Governing Board, Mr. Karma Yeshey, in his address, reaffirmed the mandate entrusted to the SAARC Arbitration Council and called upon the Member States for their continued cooperation in navigating this crucial process.

Mr. Choining Dorji, Director General of SARCO, presented the proposed budget for 2026 and briefed the Meeting on the programme activities undertaken during 2025. He also outlined the key challenges encountered and sought the Board’s guidance and endorsement for the proposed programme activities for 2026.

The Meeting undertook a thorough review of the programme activities conducted over the previous year and the activities proposed for the Calendar Year 2026. Additionally, the participants reviewed both the Reports of the Council’s audit accounts, as prepared by the Joint Audit Team, and the proposed Budget for the Fiscal Year 2026.

The two days of productive deliberations concluded successfully, resulting in several constructive recommendations, which are set to be presented at the upcoming Programming Committee meeting for further consideration and approval. These recommendations aim to strengthen the Council’s initiatives and ensure the effective implementation of its programs in the year ahead.

SAARC Arbitration Council

Islamabad, 30 September 2025